Kan. House to take final vote on turnpike measure

The Kansas House is preparing to take final action on a bill that supporters say is an attempt to encourage cooperation between the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the state Department of Transportation.

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By Associated Press

Butler County Times Gazette

By Associated Press

Posted Mar. 11, 2013 at 9:48 AM
Updated Mar 11, 2013 at 9:49 AM

By Associated Press

Posted Mar. 11, 2013 at 9:48 AM
Updated Mar 11, 2013 at 9:49 AM

Topeka, Kan.

The Kansas House is preparing to take final action on a bill that supporters say is an attempt to encourage cooperation between the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the state Department of Transportation.

Some House members fear the bill up for a vote Monday is a step toward a merger and diverting revenues from the 236-mile turnpike to other uses.

The House's vote will determine whether the bill passes and goes to the Senate.

It stops far short of Gov. Sam Brownback's proposal for a merger of the transportation agencies.

Instead, it expands the specific authority of KDOT and the Turnpike Authority to contract so they can provide administrative services to each other. Also, they could work jointly on roads connecting to the turnpike.